In Memoriam Frederick Applewhite ARCM FGSM (d. 2013)
Noelle Barker OBE (1929 – 2013)
James Gibb (1918 – 2013)
Frederick Applewhite was born just outside Lincoln and studied at the Royal College of Music. At the outset of his career he played with the LPO and the Sadler’s Wells Opera Orchestra, where he met his wife Desiree. In 1963 he became Instrumental Adviser to the Youth Orchestra in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Whilst there he was Chamber Music Coach and Professor of Violin at Hull University. In 1970 he was invited to London to become Senior String Tutor for the ILEA where he remained until 1988. During this time he was a regular string coach, violin teacher and Principal Conductor with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and realised a personal ambition in the founding of his own string orchestra, the London Youth String Ensemble, consisting of players from all the major London conservatoires and colleges. In addition to peripatetic and private tuition, Frederick had extensive experience as an adjudicator and in 1995 he was appointed a regional judge in the Sainsbury’s Young Orchestra competition. From 1985-2000 Frederick was Head of Orchestral Studies at Junior Guildhall. He was professor of violin and viola and conducted various ensembles including the Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra and Junior Guildhall String Ensemble. The latter gained an estimable reputation and regularly played in the Barbican London and toured successfully to Germany, Spain and Poland. He became a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 1993. Frederick returned to his hometown of Lincoln in 2000 and continued teaching until his death in 2013. A memorial concert will take place at Guildhall School on Sunday 6 October 2013. If any of Frederick’s former pupils from the Guildhall would like to play in this concert, please contact Clare Applewhite at clareapplewhite27@gmail.com (quoting subject: Fred’s Memorial Concert).
Distinguished soprano and teacher Noelle Barker has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born into a musical family, Noelle played violin, viola, piano and french horn. She took science at university before deciding on a career in singing. She studied with Imogen Holstat Dartington, Hans Hotter and Vera Rosza. Noelle had a successful and wide-ranging singing career. She became particularly known for her performances with leading ensembles such as Britten’s English Opera Group, the London Sinfonietta and the Nash Ensemble and for work in contemporary music. One particular highlight was her recording of Messiaen’s songs, which displayed her formidable gift for the French language and for interpreting complex scores.
“Jimmy Gibb was a much-loved and respected figure at Guildhall for decades and exemplified the combination of a liberal and humane spirit with the expectation of the highest artistic standards which typifies the School at its best. He inspired so many and all who knew Jimmy will be deeply grateful to have encountered a man who embodied both integrity and joy.” Ronan O’Hora, Head of Advanced Performance Studies and Keyboard Studies
James Gibb, known as Jimmy, was born at Monkseaton, Tyneside and studied Piano with Mabel Lander.
Noelle joined the staff at the Guildhall School in 1972 and was Head of Vocal Studies 1976-88. Her work in contemporary music was a strong inspiration to singers, pianists and composers at the School. On retirement from Guildhall, she joined the faculty at the Royal Academy of Music and acted as a Vocal Consultant for conservatoires all over the world as well as undertaking private teaching and coaching.
During the war Jimmy served with the Royal Artillery, but preferred entertaining the troops. By the late 1940s he was being heard at venues such as Wigmore Hall, Conway Hall, and on the BBC Home Service. His Proms debut was in 1949 with the London Symphony Orchestra under Malcolm Sargent and he made a further six appearances at the Royal Albert Hall. One of the many highlights of his career was playing at the Unity Theatre where he was half of the piano duo in the 1951 UK premiere of Marc Blitzstein’s musical The Cradle Will Rock.
A keen supporter of young talented singers, Noelle also made time to work with organisations such as British Youth Opera (for whom she was Vice President), Royal OverSeas League, the Maggie Teyte and Kathleen Ferrier Awards.
By the 1950s Jimmy was teaching at Guildhall School; he became Head of Piano Studies in 1967, a post he held until the mid-1990s. He loved teaching and is fondly remembered as a wise and sympathetic mentor.
GUILDHALL SCHOOL NEWS
• AUTUMN / WINTER 2013
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